The Culprit

The two Royal Guards covered their faces, preparing to leave with Grand Duke Louis with great reluctance. Colonel Bordeaux felt this was unfair, but since the man was his direct superior, he had no other choice.

"Grand Duke Louis, I do not agree with your judgment."

Grand Duke Louis was somewhat surprised. Although he held little real power and the Royal Guard, which was nominally under his jurisdiction, was riddled with factions and difficult to manage, no one had dared to contradict him since the old Emperor's death.

"Franz, do you have any complaints? I am the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Guard!"

Grand Duke Louis was far inferior to his three brothers in both intelligence and emotional intelligence.

He lacked the demeanor of a predecessor entirely, yet he insisted on putting on the airs of an elder.

Under normal circumstances, Franz would have turned a blind eye to other matters. However, this issue was non-negotiable; it was no small matter.

This kind of "mud-smoothing" judgment would not only fail to serve as a warning but would also encourage corrupt practices.

"Grand Duke Louis, first of all, they violated the Royal Guard's prohibitions and disobeyed my orders. Furthermore, these two men were responsible for my safety."

"Their actions not only failed to protect me but placed me in danger."

"Now, you suggest that simply having them change their rifles is enough for them to remain in the Royal Guard. Isn't that a bit too flippant?"

"Then let them leave your guard."

Franz had forgotten that Grand Duke Louis's brain did not function very well.

"Then what if they hadn't brought back two rifles today, but two bombs? What would we do then?"

"This..." Grand Duke Louis immediately felt the gravity of the situation, so Franz pressed his advantage.

"What if they